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Writing Wednesdays: Get Your Cap On

Welcome back to the world’s greatest game, the game of life disguised as baseball. Get your cap on, it’s time to play.

There is no other game quite like it, no other game that mirrors every day life in such unique fashion.

Consider the numbers, the stats, the nuances, the challenges, the reality that is baseball… and life:

Baseball: 162 games – over a six-month time frame – day after day, with few days off (resting days).Life: Last time I checked our lives are a marathon, not a sprint – day after day with few days off. (vacations).

Baseball: 3 hits out of 10. Do that over a long career and you’ve got a good shot at ending up in the Hall of Fame.Life: 3 out of 10? If for every risk or chance you took in life you nailed 3-out-of-10, you’re a champ. In sales, close 3 out of 10 you’re at the top of the heap.

Baseball: No clock on any inning, you can’t stop and hold time.Life: There’s a clock, but it only tells you the time. You have no control. Since you have no idea how much time you have left in this life, it’s almost meaningless. You can’t stop and hold time.

Baseball: Win a game or lose a game, take time to feel either… then sleep fast. There’s a new game coming tomorrow.Life: You get 24 hours to get it right, or have it go wrong every single day. Some days you win this game of life, some days you lose. Then the sun rises on a new day. You keep going.

Baseball: Played on a diamond, the entire park referred to as a field of dreams.Life: If you don’t think your life is a rare gem – a diamond – then you have failed to recognize the miracle that you even exist. And your dream? Well if you’ve got one, and you most certainly do, then hold fast to it baby, cause if you build it they will come.

Baseball: The pitcher, the leader on the field, the general who controls the game stands on a mound, just a bit higher than everyone else. Yet he can’t exist without the team behind him to save him when the ball is put in play.Life: The leaders we need and respect stand just a bit taller than those who follow. But any leader needs a team, to defend and to support when the ball is put in play, when danger threatens, when life happens.

Baseball: Three strikes and you’re out.Life: Three strikes against you will cause you trouble in almost any endeavour. It doesn’t mean you give up however, because hopefully you get the chance to get another at-bat.

Baseball: Failure. Massive failure in order to achieve even a modicum of success. If you’re good – even 7 times out of 10 you won’t get a hit. If you’re a pitcher, even if you’re good you will still throw nearly as many balls as you do strikes, you will lose several games, maybe more. A team that makes the playoffs will lose 40% of their games.Life: That’s right, accept it, suck it up, embrace it, love it – it’s called failure – massive failure. Yet it’s the only path to unbelievable success. Be too careful, too cautious and you will probably bat below the Mendoza line (.200), in life. Failure to work on yourself and improve your skills means you will be sent down to the Triple-A team of your existence on this earth – that team’s called Mediocrity. The minor leagues suck.

Baseball: Slow, methodical, beautiful, brilliant, plays and moments that defy the odds, stand the test of time and remain embedded in our memories for a lifetime.Life: Ditto.

It’s time to play ball! Welcome back baseball and welcome to the first day of the rest of your life, which is every day. If you’re ready to play… get your cap on.

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark BrodinskyWrite. Speak. Inspire.

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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

Connect with Mark!

WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17September 24, 2013

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné PallaceSeptember 24, 2013

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. RiecksNovember 4, 2013

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109October 23, 2013

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. BogashSeven Valleys, PA

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

PattiMSeptember 25, 2013

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

Of all the things I get to do with his blog, The Sunday Series may be the most gratifying. Actually not may be…it is. Because I get the opportunity to talk to people who are overcoming great obstacles, leading the way, showing us all how it’s done when it comes to taking whatever life has […]

It was activity hour at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore and there was Will and my daughter Sophie. Will was listening politely and attentively as Sophie read him a story. Sophie, animated and engaging, was holding the book upright with two hands and turning the pages as she moved through the story. Will only […]